News 5's John London said he was told that the Tri-State shouldn't be surprised to see a low-cost airline testing the waters before the end of winter.

The airport said it has eight gates already prepared and available for a carrier to arrive at any time.

The airport's board meets Thursday night for a presentation of the Master Plan Study required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The plan is expected to lay out a road map for CVG to efficiently meet airport demand up to the year 2035 while preserving the flexibility necessary to response to the changing aviation industry conditions.

Daily departures have dwindled to 186 at CVG, with just one international flight, and Kasich said the airport was holding back economic growth in the area.

"That is a very positive," said Steve Stevens, president of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. "We welcome the governor of Ohio's interest in our airport to, because it's his airport, too."

The airport has talked with low-cost carriers about adding flights.

"So far this year, CVG has engaged in more than 50 individual meetings with more than 30 carriers," said airport spokeswoman Molly Flanagan.

The airport has eight gates refurbished and ready for use, and it still offers more daily flights than the airports in Columbus and Louisville.

"They know our situation here, they are interested in here," said Kenton County Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus. "The only thing holding back that interest at this point in time is the economic times that we're dealing with."

CVG has more regional airports within driving distance than any large airport in the country.

"Southwest, for example, flies into all the markets around us," Arlinghaus said. "So if they come into our airport, then they'll probably not have to fly into all the other ones around us."

Officials said a discount carrier would likely offer flights to a hub, some weekend flights and vacation packages.